Chez Joey

MYLES FROST

Joey Evans

Myles Frost (Joey Evans) is an American singer-songwriter, dancer, actor, and music producer. In 2022, he became the youngest solo actor in history to win the Tony Award for Best Leading Actor in a Musical for his performance as MJ in MJ the Musical. He was also nominated for a Grammy Award as principal vocalist on the MJ the Musical cast album. In 2024, Myles made his major motion picture debut in the role of Trayvon Martin in the biographical drama Origin. In 2025, he was nominated for an Olivier Award for Best Actor in a Musical for his revised role as MJ in MJ the Musical UK. Among his numerous accolades, Myles proudly received the 76th Annual Theatre World Award for Outstanding Broadway Debut Performance, the 2022 Chita Rivera Award, and recognition as a nominee for the 2022 Drama League Award, 2022 Drama Desk Award, and 2022 Outer Critics Circle Award. He has been celebrated as part of Variety’s 2022 Power of Young Hollywood Impact Report, Ebony’s 2022 Power 100 List, The Root’s 2022 100 Most Influential Black Americans, the 2022 HBCU Top 30 Under 30, and the NAACP Theatre Spirit Award. At just 26, Myles continues to defy expectations as a self-trained artist, actor, and musician.

AWA SAL SECKA

Linda English

Awa Sal Secka (Linda English) is elated to be back at Arena! You may have seen her last season as Bea in Jaja’s African Hair Braiding. Her Off-Broadway and touring credits include Zawadi in Goddess at The Public and Bea on the National Tour of Jaja’s, respectively. Local credits include Sarah in Ragtime (Signature), Joanne in Rent (Kennedy Center), Mayme in Intimate Apparel (Theater J), The Baker’s Wife in Into the Woods (Ford’s), and Ama in School Girls and Dottie in Caroline, or Change (Round House). Awa is the proud co-writer of the 2023 MacArthur Award- winning play The Joy That Carries You. She is immeasurably grateful to God, the Chez Joey team/company, her fiancé Ryan, all her friends, family, and supporters, her agents at Nicolosi & Co., and for her mother, Fatou. Instagram: @_kujichagulia_

SAMANTHA MASSELL

Vera Simpson

Samantha Massell (Vera Simpson) is an actress, singer, writer, and filmmaker. She was last seen on Broadway as Hodel in the acclaimed revival of Fiddler on the Roof and made her Broadway debut at age 12 in Baz Luhrmann’s production of Puccini’s La Bohème. She has originated starring roles in many world-premiere musicals, including Rosalind Franklin in Double Helix (Bay Street), Rebecca in the revisal of Rags (Goodspeed Opera, Connecticut Critics Circle Award for Best Actress), Karla in The Flamingo Kid (Hartford Stage), and Florika in Disney’s The Hunchback of Notre Dame (La Jolla Playhouse & Paper Mill Playhouse). On the small screen, Samantha is currently recurring on Doc, and has also recurred on Dynasty, Mr. Mercedes, and Chicago Fire, and guest-starred on NCIS: New Orleans, The Good Fight, and Elementary. BFA, University of Michigan, Phi Beta Kappa. As always, for mom. @smassellsings, www.samanthamassell.com

ANGELA HALL

Lucille Wallace

Angela Hall (Lucille Wallace) illuminated the Broadway stage as a featured performer in the Tony Award-winning musical Black and Blue, performing alongside jazz and tap legends such as Ruth Brown, Jimmy Slyde, and Bunny Briggs. She has performed in the national touring companies of Big River and The Tap Dance Kid. Additional show credits include Little Shop of Horrors, Dancin’ in the Street, and For Colored Girls… Angela’s film and television credits include Modern Love, Mo’ Better Blues, Mad Love, Mr. Wonderful, and Bob Altman’s The Player. She holds a BFA in Musical Theater (Boston Conservatory), MS in Teaching (Fordham), and MS in Educational Administration (Fordham). She is thankful for her supportive family and to God for showers of bountiful blessings! Instagram: i_am_angelahall

KEVIN CAHOON

Melvin Snyder

Kevin Cahoon (Melvin Snyder) received Tony and Drama Desk Award nominations for his role as Peanut in Shucked on Broadway. Other Broadway includes the original companies of The Lion King, The Wedding Singer, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, as well as The Who’s Tommy and The Rocky Horror Show. Off-Broadway, Kevin was part of the original companies of Hedwig and the Angry Inch, The Wild Party, and The Shaggs, as well as the revivals of How I Learned to Drive and The Foreigner, for which he received a Lortel nomination. On TV, Kevin created roles on Monarch, GLOW, A Series of Unfortunate Events, Nurse Jackie, and others. Films by Robert Zemeckis, Woody Allen, Madonna, and regional theaters such as The Guthrie, Williamstown, The Old Globe, among others.

CHARIS MICHELLE GULLAGE

Gladys

Charis Michelle Gullage (Gladys) is thrilled to be making her debut at Arena Stage here in Washington, DC, and to be a part of this revolutionary work that is Chez Joey! Her recent credits include: Summer: The Donna Summer Musical as Disco Donna (2nd National Tour), Tina: The Tina Turner Musical as Ikette 3/Understudy Tina, Sister Act as Tina/Understudy Deloris (Asia Tour), Hairspray as a Swing (Australian Tour), and more! She is beyond grateful for her support back in New Orleans, Rene’, Savion, and Tony. She dedicates this show to her grandmother, Alberta, who is the reason for her Sound. Instagram: @charis_michelle1

KALEN ROBINSON

Pearl

Kalen Robinson (Pearl) is a singer, dancer, and actress making her Arena Stage debut! Kalen credits her success to God and her endlessly supportive village of family and friends who believe in her. Some of her notable DMV theater credits include: Play On! (Signature Theatre), Paradise Blue as Pumpkin (Studio Theatre), Finn as Seasil and Look Both Ways National Tour (Kennedy Center), Beautiful: The Carole King Musical (Olney Theatre), The Sensational Sea Mink-ettes as Raquel/Dionne (Woolly Mammoth), and Metamorphosis (Folger Theatre). Her regional theater credits include Once on This Island as Ti Moune (Lyric Theatre), and Cinderella and 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee as Logainne (Fulton Theatre). Education: BFA in Musical Theatre at Howard University. kalenrobinson.com Instagram: @k_nicole143

NDAYA DREAM HOSKINS

Tilda

Ndaya Dream Hoskins (Tilda) is thrilled to be making her Arena Stage debut in Chez Joey! Her recent credits include her Broadway debut in SMASH (OBC, Assistant Dance Captain, u/s Anita), and Mrs. Doubtfire National Tour, while simultaneously completing her BFA in Musical Theatre at Pace University (c/o 2025). Ndaya sends endless love and gratitude to God, her family, and her amazing team at Clear Talent Group! Jeremiah 29:11. Instagram: @ndaya.dream

ALANA S. THOMAS

Ruby

Alana S. Thomas (Ruby) is overjoyed to be making her Arena Stage debut in Chez Joey! New York credits include Ragtime (Gallery Players) and Antigone in Ferguson (Theater of War). DC Area: Spirit of Kwanzaa (Dance Institute of Washington), Little Shop of Horrors as Ronette (Constellation Theatre, Helen Hayes nomination for Outstanding Supporting Performer in a Musical), FAME The Musical as Mabel (GALA Hispanic Theatre). Regional: Play On! as CC (Signature Theatre); The Hula-Hoopin’ Queen, Naked Mole Rat Gets Dressed, P.Nokio (Imagination Stage); In the Heights, The Color Purple, The Producers, White Christmas (Virginia Repertory Theatre); Ragtime (Pennsylvania Shakespeare Festival); Legally Blonde, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat (Riverside Center for the Performing Arts). Education: Virginia Commonwealth University. She’d like to thank God, Eric, and her family for their love and the support from the incredible Chez Joey team! @alanabesaiyan

BROOKE TAYLOR

Betty, Assistant to the Choreographer

Brooke Taylor (Betty, Assistant to the Choreographer) is honored to be in alignment with Arena Stage’s production of Chez Joey. She can currently be seen on Broadway in Moulin Rouge! The Musical. Her additional credits include Boop! The Musical (CIBC) and Tyler Perry’s A Jazzman’s Blues on Netflix. A proud graduate of the University of Michigan, Brooke is also pursuing certification in the Dunham technique, continuing her dedication to the legacy of black dance. Brooke believes deeply in the power of storytelling. She views performance as an opportunity to honor her ancestors, build community, and connect with spirit. She wants to thank Tony and Savion for providing a space to explore and to exist in every way. For Grandma. Instagram: @Brooke.alexandria.taylor

JOSH JOHNSON

Cat

Josh Johnson (Cat) is a Harlem-born tap and percussion artist whose journey began by dancing on New York City trains to help pay his way through Penn State University. His story of grit and generosity has been featured by The New York Times, Reader’s Digest, ABC World News Tonight, and The Ellen DeGeneres Show, where he’s been a frequent guest. Josh has toured China as a lead tap artist with the Riverdance production and brought his rhythmic charisma to Dancing with the Stars and the sold-out NY Knicks season opener at Madison Square Garden. He has performed at iconic New York venues including the Cotton Club, the Blue Note, and Dizzy’s Jazz Club. Blending musicality, humor, and heart, Josh inspires audiences of all ages.

MARCUS JOHN

Cat, u/s Joey

Marcus John (Cat, u/s Joey) is blessed to finally make his regional debut at home in the DMV. He has performed in Hamilton on the Philip Tour (Swing), International Tour (Standby), and Sydney (Standby/Assistant Director). Tours: Rent 20th Anniversary (Benny), Mamma Mia! (Ensemble). Film: Dumb Money (Netflix). TV: Harlem (Amazon). Choreography: Neptune XXI Medicine Music Experience. Proudly represented by the team at DGRW. This one is dedicated to my grandfather, the coolest cat I know. Pray often, worry not!

LAMONT BROWN

Cat

Lamont Brown (Cat) makes his Arena Stage debut in Chez Joey. His DC credits include playing Joey in Guys and Dolls at the Shakespeare Theatre Company. New York credits include the Broadway workshop of Disney’s Hercules and Riverdance at Radio City Music Hall. National tour appearances include Funny Girl (1st National), Mean Girls (1st National), White Christmas, and 42nd Street as Andy Lee. Regional highlights include After Midnight, Chasing Rainbows (world premiere), and 42nd Street (Goodspeed/Ordway/Drury Lane). He is also the co-creator and choreographer of Syncopated Avenue. Film/TV credits include Wu-Tang: An American Saga and Your Attention Please (Hulu). Lamont is a Creative Director and Capezio Athlete. Hudson Artists Agency. LBCreativesllc.com. Instagram: @LamontBrownNYC

ADDI LOVING

Cat

Addi Loving (Cat) is a New York–based rising artist in the world of performing arts. Originally from North Carolina and St. Louis, she trained under Gene Medler and developed her foundation performing with The Muny in St. Louis. A 2019 YoungArts winner and alum of Jacob’s Pillow, Addi has continued to build her career across stage and screen. She is a company member of Dorrance Dance, with whom she has toured nationally, and is signed with MSA Agency. Addi can also be seen in a major feature film set to release next spring. She is grateful for every opportunity to share her craft and her love of rhythm, and storytelling.

CRYSTAL J. FREEMAN

Cat, u/s Lucille

Crystal J. Freeman (Cat, u/s Lucille), a Detroit native, brings an intense and heartfelt passion to every stage, celebrated for a versatility that shines from intimate theaters to grand concert halls. She discovered her deep love for music while studying under Dr. Nathan M. Carter at Morgan State University, an experience that included extensive international performance travel. Her powerful stage presence was quickly recognized in her debut as Woman #2 in Putting It Together with ArtsCentric. Crystal’s critically acclaimed portrayal of Effie White in Dreamgirls was hailed for its “explosive vulnerability.” Her regional work includes performing as Bulda in Frozen at the Olney Theatre Center and as Granny and Cinderella’s Mother in Signature Theatre’s production of Into the Woods. She lives in Baltimore with her wonderful daughters, to whom she dedicates every performance.

LAFAYETTE HARRIS JR.

Lafayette

Lafayette Harris Jr. (Lafayette) is a New York–based jazz pianist, composer, arranger, conductor, and educator renowned for his refined phrasing, passionate flair, deep knowledge of jazz tradition, and nuanced command of soul, funk, and classic pop idioms. A trusted “go-to” musician on the scene, Harris combines rhythmic vitality with harmonic sophistication, making him a first-call collaborator for bandleaders and artists alike. Born in Philadelphia and raised in Baltimore, Harris earned a Bachelor of Music from Oberlin Conservatory and a Master of Music from Rutgers University, where he studied under master pianist Kenny Barron. Early in his career, legendary drummer Max Roach described him as a “phenomenal new voice on the music scene today,” after a decade-long touring and creative partnership that began in the mid-1990s. Harris has performed and recorded extensively with the Duke Ellington Legacy Orchestra, Houston Person, Archie Shepp, Melba Moore, and four-time Grammy nominee Ernestine Anderson. He also served as associate conductor and pianist for the Tony Award–winning musical Bring in ‘da Noise, Bring in ‘da Funk. As a leader, his albums consistently garner acclaim. His 2020 release, You Can’t Lose with the Blues, spent two weeks at No. 1 on the JazzWeek radio chart and was a top-ten played jazz album of the year. His newest album, All in Good Time (released fall 2025), continues this success, featuring Jeremy Pelt and Houston Person, and has quickly climbed into the top ten of the JazzWeek radio chart. Whether on stage, behind the piano, in the classroom, or in the studio, Lafayette Harris Jr. remains a versatile, musical force—equally adept at honoring jazz’s legacy and charting new artistic territory.

COREY RAWLS

Corey

Corey Rawls (Corey) is a versatile drummer, producer, and film composer with a Master’s in Jazz Studies from Rutgers University. He is known for his ability to perform across a wide range of genres. His scoring work includes multiple award-winning films, and his theater credits feature productions such as The Secret Life of Bees (Atlantic Theater) and Walk On Through (MCC Theater). Corey proudly endorses Yamaha Drums, Bosphorus Cymbals, and Collision Drumsticks.

DANIEL BEREKET

Daniel

Daniel Bereket (Daniel) is a New York City–based trumpet player originally from San Carlos, California. He started playing the piano at 5 years old, and picked up the trumpet at 11 years old. Daniel studied at the Stanford Jazz Workshop in 2011 and 2012, and was a member of the SF Jazz High School All-Stars Big
Band from 2012–2013. Since moving to New York City in 2021, Daniel has regularly performed in some of New York’s top jazz venues, including The Django, Smalls Jazz Club, and Ornithology Jazz Club. He has also maintained a monthly residency with his quartet at Ornithology since 2022.

NOLAN NWACHUKWU

Nolan

Nolan Nwachukwu (Nolan) is a New York City–based bassist, composer, bandleader, and producer. Originally from South Florida, Nolan studied jazz at the Dillard Center for the Arts. He holds a Bachelor of Music from the Manhattan School of Music and has since become an in-demand collaborator, working with artists such as J’Nai Bridges, Michael Mwenso & The Shakes, Tyreek McDole, Jon Batiste, Miki Howard, Damien Sneed, Cisco Swank, Tina Fabrique, and FORAGER. Nolan has performed at venues and festivals including Carnegie Hall, Dizzy’s Jazz Club, Met Museum, NPR Tiny Desk (Home), Umbria Winter Jazz Festival, and Monterey Jazz Festival, among others. He continues to tour nationally and internationally with a range of creative projects.

JALIN SHIVER

Jalin

Jalin Shiver (Jalin) is a saxophonist born and raised in Newark, New Jersey. He began playing the alto saxophone in the fifth grade at Maple Avenue School in Newark, where his passion for music first took shape. Jalin continued his musical development at Arts High School before pursuing further studies at New Jersey City University. Over the years, he has had the pleasure of performing with renowned artists such as Christian McBride, Savion Glover, Gloria Gaynor, and many others. Today, Jalin is an active performer throughout the Tri-State area, bringing an expressive sound to every stage he plays.

ALEX DE LAZZARI

Alex

Alex De Lazzari (Alex) is emerging as one of New York’s strongest young voices on the tenor saxophone today. Originally born in Italy, he and his family moved to Northern Virginia in 2008, where he first picked up the clarinet and later the saxophone. After graduating from William Paterson University in 2021, where he studied with Vincent Herring, Harold Mabern, Rich Perry, and Mike LeDonne, Alex began to gain his footing in the New York jazz scene. He has played with the likes of Winard Harper, Savion Glover, Mingus Big Band, and James Zollar, and has performed at the Kennedy Center, the Blue Note, Smalls Jazz Club, and NJPAC. Alex looks forward to making his Arena Stage debut with Chez Joey.

JORDYN TAYLOR

u/s Linda

Jordyn Taylor (u/s Linda) is thrilled to return to Arena Stage! Her credits include Arena’s Damn Yankees as Ensemble/Understudy Sister and Unknown Soldier; Olney Theatre Center’s Senior Class as Ty’Quasia/Understudy Marva; Spooky Action Theater’s Professor Woland’s Black Magic Rock Show as Margarita; Theater Alliance’s Covenant as Avery; Adventure Theatre MTC’s She Persisted as Harriet Tubman/Flo Jo (Helen Hayes nomination for Outstanding Supporting Performer), Junie B. Jones as Lucille/Bobbi Jean/José; Monumental Theatre’s American Psycho as Evelyn Williams (Helen Hayes Award for Outstanding Ensemble); and Signature Theatre’s Ragtime as Sarah’s Friend. TV/Film: PBS’s How Great Thou Art: A Sacred Celebration. Direction/Music Direction: NextStop Theatre’s Summer Theatre Adventures’ The Marvelous Wonderettes; Howard University’s Heathers the Musical. Howard University BFA Musical Theatre (2023). Instagram: @favvvgeminiii TikTok: @jordyntaylorrr

KAREN VINCENT

u/s Vera

Karen Vincent (u/s Vera) is thrilled to be making her Arena Stage debut in Chez Joey! Much like the show itself, Karen’s career is a combination of musical theater and jazz. She is a classically trained soprano who has been singing jazz for nearly two decades (releasing a self-titled jazz EP in 2014), while simultaneously building a career playing unique comedic characters in the DC regional theater scene. She has been nominated for several Helen Hayes Awards, including Outstanding Lead Performer in a Musical for Kiss Me, Kate at NextStop Theatre and Elephant & Piggie’s “We Are in a Play!” at Adventure Theatre, and Outstanding Supporting Performer in a Musical for A Year with Frog and Toad at Imagination Stage. She just closed Hello, Dolly! at Olney Theatre Center, for which she was the Dolly alternate.

JUSTIN MICHAEL DUVAL

u/s Melvin

Justin Michael Duval (u/s Melvin) is thrilled to make his Arena Stage debut. He recently appeared on the First National Tour of Girl From the North Country, which played the Kennedy Center, and has also toured with Dreamgirls, Jekyll & Hyde, and Happy Days. Regional credits include Papa Who in How the Grinch Stole Christmas! at The Old Globe, Bill Sikes in Oliver! at Sharon Playhouse, Dennis Dupree in Rock of Ages, Bob Crewe in Jersey Boys, Gus in Cats, and Olaf in Frozen. On screen, Justin appeared in Garry Marshall’s film Valentine’s Day. He is the creator and performer of Righteous Harmony, a Righteous Brothers-inspired concert experience. Justin is a BFA graduate of California State University, Fullerton. Endless thanks to his wife Sam, Jill and Emma at Broad Talent Agency, and Savion, Tony, and Kevin. @jmduvalsings

VICTOR GOULD

u/s Lafayette, Music Supervisor

Victor Gould (u/s Lafayette, Music Supervisor) has been hailed by DownBeat as “a new and important compositional voice” and by All About Jazz as “a composer of great ambition and skill.” He has earned distinction as a pianist, composer, and first-call sideman for such artists as vocalist Jazzmeia Horn, whose Grammy-nominated recordings A Social Call and Liberation feature Gould prominently. His first album, Clockwork, was named Debut of the Year in the 2016 NPR Music Jazz Critics Poll. With the subsequent releases Earthlings and Thoughts Become Things, Gould documented an ever-widening musical vision, adeptly orchestrating for horns and strings in varied combinations. One of the first recipients of the Herbie Hancock Presidential Scholarship Thelonious Monk Institute of Jazz at Loyola University. He has taught at Xavier University and elsewhere, following in the footsteps of his great mentor-educators.

JOHN LAMKIN

u/s Corey

John Lamkin (u/s Corey) is a native of Baltimore, Maryland. He began playing drums at the tender age of four. John attended the Manhattan School of Music in New York City, and later, Berklee College of Music in Boston, Massachusetts. John has been recognized by, toured, played, and recorded with a number of exceptionally talented recording artists, including Donald Harrison, Najee, Michael Henderson, Kenny Garrett, Christian Scott, Warren Wolf, Chick Corea, Pharoah Sanders, the late great Lionel Hampton, the late great Abbey Lincoln, and many others. John maintains a deep respect and appreciation for those who've set standards in the music world.

DONVONTE McCOY

u/s Daniel

Donvonte McCoy (u/s Daniel) is one of today’s finest jazz trumpeters. He has toured with artists such as Lionel Hampton, Jason Moran, Eric Wyatt, Curtis Fuller, Charles Davis, Larry Ridley, Miki Howard, Marcus Johnson, Steve Williams, Larry Willis, and many more! His debut CD Third Floor was well received by Washington City Paper. As a native Washingtonian, Donvonte’s Quintet performed regularly at the historic Bohemian Caverns. His ensemble was featured weekly for over a decade at one of DC’s finest nightclubs, Eighteenth Street Lounge. Donvonte has also performed with Aretha Franklin, Ruth Brown, El Debarge, Fantasia, and many others as a jazz soloist. 

BLAKE MEISTER

u/s Nolan

Blake Meister (u/s Nolan), a Philadelphia native, has toured and recorded with a range of virtuoso musicians, including Larry Willis, Gary Thomas, Warren Wolf, Sean Jones, Louis Hayes, Ralph Peterson, Robin McKelle, Katharine McPhee, and Ahn Sook-sun, among others. His debut album, Septagon (Inner Circle Music), was named album of the year, and he appears on Larry Willis’ final album, I Fall in Love Too Easily. He has won several Maryland Individual Artist Awards and been a f inalist in both the BassEurope and International Society of Bassists competitions. As an educator, he spent a decade teaching at the Peabody Conservatory, while serving as founding director of the jazz program in the Peabody Preparatory.

ELIJAH EASTON

u/s Jalin

Elijah Easton (u/s Jalin) is a passionate and dedicated tenor saxophonist from Washington, DC. He has played alongside Jon Batiste, Wynton Marsalis, Paquito D’Rivera, Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra, Benny Golson, Marc Cary, Citizen Cope, and, most recently, DJ Jazzy Jeff. Currently, he is a member of the Thad Wilson Jazz Orchestra. He has played at the Blue Note, Smalls Jazz Club, Dizzy’s Club, The Kennedy Center, The Phillips Collection, the National Museum of African American History and Culture, and Bohemian Caverns, along with other historic venues around the DC area.

COBY PETRICONE-BERG

u/s Alex

Coby Petricone-Berg (u/s Alex) is a New York Citybased saxophonist and composer. After performing his song “June” on NPR’s Tiny Desk, Coby released his debut EP “Village” on all streaming services in 2022. “Village” pays homage to ideas of family and community, as well as the people and places that shape us. In 2025, he released his debut large ensemble project, Village Big Band, featuring a full big band. With his own ensemble and as a sideman, Coby has performed in and around NYC at venues including the Museum of Modern Art, Birdland Jazz Club, Dizzy’s Club at Jazz at Lincoln Center, the David Rubenstein Atrium, the Django, and the inaugural Nyack Jazz Festival. Coby is a graduate of the Juilliard School and studied with Donald Vega, Billy Drummond, Daniel Block, and Bruce Williams. He is currently booking performances, playing released and unreleased material, and planning his next project.

JAILYN WILKERSON

Swing, Dance Captain

Jailyn Wilkerson (Swing, Dance Captain) is ecstatic to be making her Arena Stage debut! Her DC area credits include Play On! (Signature Theatre), and Sleepova, Hello, Dolly!, Senior Class, and Long Way Down (Olney Theatre Center). Other credits include 42nd Street, Sound of Music (Theatre by the Sea); Hello, Dolly!, Beauty and the Beast (Arizona Broadway Theatre); American Girl Live!: In Concert National Tour; and Little Miss Perfect and Photosynthesis (Goodspeed New Works Festival). Education: National Cathedral School, The Hartt School—BFA in Musical Theatre #hartthasit. Immense amount of love to her mom, family, and friends. www.jailynwilkerson.com Instagram: @jailyn_wilkerson

RICHARD RODGERS AND LORENZ HART

Music and Lyrics

Richard Rodgers (Music) and Lorenz Hart (Lyrics) wrote their first shows together when both were still students attending Columbia University. They made their professional debut with the song “Any Old Place with You,” featured in the 1919 Broadway musical comedy A Lonely Romeo. Their breakthrough came with the score for a 1925 charity show, The Garrick Gaities, which introduced the classic valentine to their hometown, “Manhattan.” From 1920 to 1930, Rodgers (1902–1979) and Hart (1895–1943) wrote an astonishing array of musical comedies for Broadway and London’s West End. At their pinnacle the team was writing an average of four new shows a year. In 1930, the team relocated to Hollywood, where they contributed songs and wrote the scores for several movie musicals including the landmark Love Me Tonight starring Maurice Chevalier; The Phantom President starring George M. Cohan; Hallelujah, I’m a Bum starring Al Jolson; and Mississippi starring Bing Crosby and W.C. Fields. They were lured back to New York by legendary Broadway producer Billy Rose in 1935 to write the songs for his circus musical spectacular, Jumbo. Their score introduced “The Most Beautiful Girl in the World,” “My Romance,” and “Little Girl Blue,” and Rodgers and Hart were back on Broadway. From 1936 to 1943, Rodgers and Hart wrote a series of Broadway musical comedies, each of which seemed to top the one before in terms of innovation and box office success: On Your Toes (1936), Babes in Arms (1937), I’d Rather Be Right (1937), I Married an Angel (1938), The Boys from Syracuse (1938), Too Many Girls (1939), Higher and Higher (1940), Pal Joey (1940) and By Jupiter (1942).

JOHN O'HARA

Author

John O’Hara (Author), American novelist and short story writer (1905–1970), was born into an Irish Catholic family in Pottsville, Pennsylvania. He began to write fiction in 1927; his first novel, Appointment in Samarra (1934), won popular acclaim and established O’Hara as a craftsman of prose. Over the following years, O’Hara explored his interest in the effects of money, class, and social norms on individual freedom in many widely praised works, including BUtterfield 8 (1935; film version, 1960) and From the Terrace (1958; film version, 1960). In 1956 he received the National Book Award for Ten North Frederick (1955; film version, 1958). O’Hara’s works also include many short stories, most published by The New Yorker, and the late novels Ourselves to Know (1960) and The Lockwood Concerns (1965). He collaborated with the team of Rodgers & Hart, writing the book for the musical Pal Joey based on his short stories.

RICHARD LAGRAVENESE

New Book

Richard Lagravenese (New Book) is a film and television writer/director/producer. Writer: Behind the Candelabra (Emmy, BAFTA nominations), The Fisher King (Academy Award, BAFTA & WGA award nominations), Unbroken, Water for Elephants, The Bridges of Madison County, A Little Princess, The Horse Whisperer, Beloved, The Mirror Has Two Faces, The Ref. Writer/Director: A Family Affair, The Last Five Years; Beautiful Creatures; Freedom Writers (Humanitas Prize); P.S. I Love You; Paris, je t'aime; Living Out Loud. Graduate of NYU Experimental Theatre Workshop.

SAVION GLOVER

Choreographer, Orchestrologist, and Co-Director

Savion Glover (Choreographer, Orchestrologist, and Co-Director) Tap dancer, choreographer, and actor Savion Glover is the epitome of a living legend. Before he was a teenager, he made his mark starring in the leading role in the Broadway musical The Tap Dance Kid. The Tony Award–winning dancer eventually worked with dancing greats Gregory Hines and Sammy Davis Jr. Among his credits are a starring role in Jelly’s Last Jam, a role for which he made history as the youngest ever recipient of a National Endowment for the Arts grant. As a choreographer, Savion’s work has helped maintain tap dancing as an art form in the modern dance world. He starred in the musical Bring in ‘da Noise, Bring in ‘da Funk, which he also choreographed, debuted on Broadway in 1996. The musical chronicles events in African American history and brought him a Tony Award for Best Choreographer.

TONY GOLDWYN

Co-Director

Tony Goldwyn (Co-Director) As an actor, Tony has appeared on Broadway in The Inheritance; Network; Promises, Promises; and Holiday. Off-Broadway: The Water’s Edge, Spike Heels (Second Stage); The Dying Gaul (Vineyard); Lady in the Dark (Encores!); The Sum of Us (Cherry Lane, Obie Award); and Digby (MTC). His many film acting credits include One Battle After Another, Oppenheimer, King Richard, Plane, Divergent, The Last Samurai, Disney’s Tarzan, Kiss the Girls, Nixon, The Pelican Brief, and Ghost. Television acting credits include Law & Order, The Hot Zone, Lovecraft Country, Chambers, Scandal, Dexter, The L Word, Frasier, From the Earth to the Moon, Murphy Brown, and Designing Women. Tony has directed the feature films Ezra, Conviction, The Last Kiss, Someone Like You, and A Walk on the Moon. His numerous TV directing credits include Chambers, Scandal, The Divide (also executive producer), Justified, Dexter, Damages, Law & Order, Grey’s Anatomy, and The L Word.

DEREK McLANE

Set Designer

Derek McLane (Set Designer)’s Broadway set designs include Just in Time, Death Becomes Her, Othello, Purlie Victorious, MJ, Moulin Rouge! (Tony Award), A Soldier’s Play, The Price, Beautiful, Noises Off, Gigi, 33 Variations (Tony Award), China Doll, How to Succeed in Business, Follies, Anything Goes, Bengal Tiger at the Baghdad Zoo, Ragtime, The Pajama Game, and I Am My Own Wife. Off-Broadway: Love, Love, Love; Into the Woods; Ruined. Television: Six years of Academy Awards (Emmy Award); NBC Musicals: The Sound of Music, The Wiz, Hairspray (Emmy Award). Awards include two Tonys, two Emmys, three Obies, two Drama Desks, three Lucille Lortels, and three Art Directors Guild Awards.

EMILIO SOSA

Costume Designer

Emilio Sosa (Costume Designer) is one of Broadway’s most distinctive creative forces. As a five-time Tony Award–nominated costume designer, his work spans many of the industry’s most celebrated productions. His recent Broadway credits include Sweeney Todd; A Beautiful Noise; Ain’t No Mo’; 1776; Good Night, Oscar; On Your Feet!; Motown: The Musical; Porgy and Bess; and Topdog/Underdog. His most recent projects included Jesus Christ Superstar, starring Cynthia Erivo and Adam Lambert, and Masquerade, the immersive retelling of Phantom of the Opera. He is also the first designer of color to create for the Radio City Spring Spectacular and Christmas Show. He has designed for Usher, Mariah Carey, Diana Ross, and Gloria Estefan, to name a few, and appeared on TV’s Project Runway All Stars. As the former Chair of the American Theatre Wing, Emilio continues to champion access and representation in the arts.

ADAM HONORÉ

Lighting Designer

Adam Honoré (Lighting Designer) is a Harlem–based designer for the stage. Arena Stage: We Are Gathered, Exclusion, Right to be Forgotten. Broadway: Ragtime, Cats: The Jellicle Ball, Jeff Ross: Take a Banana for the Ride, Purlie Victorious, Ain’t No Mo’, Chicken & Biscuits. Adam is a Drama Desk nominee and recent recipient of the Obie Award for Sustained Achievement in Design. @itsadamhonore

DAN MOSES SCHREIER

Sound Designer

Dan Moses Schreier (Sound Designer)’s Broadway credits include Floyd Collins, The Iceman Cometh (Denzel Washington), Falsettos, American Psycho, The Visit (Chita Rivera), world premieres of August Wilson’s Radio Golf and Gem of the Ocean, Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder, Waiting for Godot (Nathan Lane, Bill Irwin, John Goodman), fiftieth anniversary production of West Side Story with Spanish lyrics by Lin-Manuel Miranda, Gypsy (Patti LuPone), Sondheim on Sondheim, A Little Night Music (Catherine Zeta-Jones/Angela Lansbury), 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, John Doyle’s production of Sweeney Todd, Assassins, Pacific Overtures, Topdog/Underdog, Into the Woods, The Diary of Anne Frank (Natalie Portman), and Bring in ‘da Noise, Bring in ‘da Funk (Savion Glover). Off-Broadway highlights include Fiddler on the Roof in Yiddish directed by Joel Grey (Fiddler Afn Dakh), Cyrano (Peter Dinklage with music by The National), and seven productions with Richard Foreman and The Ontological-Hysteric Theater. Compositions for Broadway include The Merchant of Venice (Al Pacino), Julius Caesar (Denzel Washington), The Glass Menagerie (Jessica Lange), Major Barbara (Cherry Jones), and The Tempest (Patrick Stewart). Awards: six Tony Award nominations, five Drama Desk Awards, Obie Award for Sustained Excellence, Lucille Lortel Award. Fellow of MacDowell. www.danmosesschreier.com

J. JARED JANAS

Wigs, Hair, and Makeup Designer

J. Jared Janas (Wig, Hair, and Makeup Designer) At Arena Stage, Jared has worked on We Are Gathered, Unknown Soldier, and Ride the Cyclone. Select Broadway credits include Punch, Dead Outlaw, John Proctor is the Villain, Glengarry Glen Ross, Buena Vista Social Club, Our Town, Once Upon a Mattress, Mary Jane, Prayer for the French Republic, Purlie Victorious, Good Night, Oscar, Sweeney Todd…, Ohio State Murders, & Juliet, Kimberly Akimbo, Indecent, Sunset Boulevard, The Visit, The Real Thing, Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar & Grill, Motown, Peter and the Starcatcher, Porgy and Bess. Select Off-Broadway credits include Sally & Tom (Drama Desk nomination) and Yours Unfaithfully (Drama Desk nomination). Instagram: @jjjanas_

VICTOR GOULD

Music Supervisor, u/s Lafayette

Victor Gould (Music Supervisor, u/s Lafayette) has been hailed by DownBeat as “a new and important compositional voice” and by All About Jazz as “a composer of great ambition and skill.” He has earned distinction as a pianist, composer, and first-call sideman for such artists as vocalist Jazzmeia Horn, whose Grammy-nominated recordings A Social Call and Liberation feature Gould prominently. His first album, Clockwork, was named Debut of the Year in the 2016 NPR Music Jazz Critics Poll. With the subsequent releases Earthlings and Thoughts Become Things, Gould documented an ever-widening musical vision, adeptly orchestrating for horns and strings in varied combinations. One of the first recipients of the Herbie Hancock Presidential Scholarship at Berklee College of Music, Gould went on to earn a Master’s degree from the prestigious Thelonious Monk Institute of Jazz at Loyola University. He has taught at Xavier University and elsewhere, following in the footsteps of his great mentor-educators.

THE TRC COMPANY

Casting

The TRC Company (Casting) Broadway: Dead Outlaw, BOOP! The Musical, Old Friends, Buena Vista Social Club, Death Becomes Her, Left on Tenth, The Outsiders, SIX, Aladdin. Tours: The Phantom of the Opera, Beauty and the Beast, Water for Elephants, The Wiz, Back to the Future, Mamma Mia!, Les Misérables. The TRC Company is proud to continue the casting legacy of Tara Rubin Casting and Johnson-Liff Casting.

RAIYON HUNTER

Casting

Raiyon Hunter (Casting) is a casting director, producer, and arts administrator from New Orleans, Louisiana. She currently works as the Casting Director/Line Producer of Arena Stage. Previously, she worked as the Casting Director of Children’s Theatre Company and the Spelman Leadership Fellow at the Alliance Theatre where she has contributed to a multitude of shows in varying capacities ranging from casting associate to director on productions such as Do You Love the Dark?, Darlin’ Cory, Bina’s Six Apples, Good Bad People, Confederates, and more. Additionally, she has been in residency at Oregon Shakespeare Festival under Nataki Garrett and The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis under Hana S. Sharif.

MORGAN HOLBROOK

Stage Manager

Morgan R. Holbrook (Stage Manager) is a New York–based stage manager making his Arena Stage debut. He has been working professionally for 16 years on numerous Broadway, Off-Broadway, and regional productions. Most recently, he worked on the immersive Phantom of the Opera production, Masquerade. Other favorite projects include the Tony Award–winning shows The Inheritance, The Ferryman, and The Boys in the Band. He is grateful for the love and support of his parents.

KELLY MERRITT

Assistant Stage Manager

Kelly Merritt (Assistant Stage Manager)’s Broadway credits include The Inheritance, Hillary and Clinton, The Ferryman, and The Boys in the Band. Off-Broadway/NYC: The Big Gay Jamboree; Dracula, A Comedy of Terrors; The Gospel According to Heather; The Good John Proctor; Superhero, Slave Play. Regional: High Society (Ogunquit Playhouse); Enchanted April (STNJ); Soft Power, Bright Star, Archduke, and Zoot Suit (CTG); A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Gynecologic Oncology Unit at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center of New York City (Geffen Playhouse); Born for This (Broad Stage). Love to her family for their endless encouragement and support!

DAYNE SUNDMAN

Assistant Stage Manager

Dayne Sundman (Assistant Stage Manager) is always glad to be back at Arena Stage. Some past favorite shows at Arena include A Wrinkle in Time (world premiere); The Bedwetter; Death on the Nile (world premiere); Unknown Soldier; POTUS; Angels in America, Part One: Millennium Approaches; Catch Me If You Can; Newsies; and Anything Goes. Other credits include The Wild Duck, Jane Anger, The Notebooks of Leonardo da Vinci (STC); Murder on the Orient Express (Great Lakes Theater); Natasha, Pierre & The Great Comet of 1812, and Sense and Sensibility (Idaho Shakespeare Festival). Allen Lee Hughes Fellow 2017. Baldwin Wallace University 2015.